DIRCO says its High Commission in New Delhi provided only routine protocol and logistical support during Jacob Zuma’s private visit to India….reports Africa Daily News Desk
South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has concluded consultations with its High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal, over protocol arrangements during former President Jacob Zuma’s private visit to India in June.
The consultations followed questions surrounding Zuma’s visit to India from June 25 to 27 and his attendance at a religious event in Haridwar, where businessman Ajay Gupta was also present.
DIRCO said the Presidency had informed the department about Zuma’s planned private visit on June 19 and requested the necessary protocol and logistical support. The South African High Commission in New Delhi was subsequently asked to provide customary assistance extended to former presidents.
According to information provided by the mission, it did not facilitate any substantive engagement between Zuma and Gupta during the visit.
The support provided was limited to routine protocol and logistical arrangements, including ceremonial lounge access, airport courtesies, liaison with Indian authorities and travel facilitation, DIRCO said.
Zuma was received by High Commissioner Sooklal and a mission official upon arrival and was provided similar assistance when leaving India, in line with established protocol.
DIRCO said Sooklal attended the religious event in Haridwar following a separate invitation from the organisers in his capacity as head of mission. The department said he did not accompany Zuma or Gupta and had no direct interaction with Gupta, who was among around 1,000 invited guests.
The department concluded that the South African mission did not arrange, facilitate or participate in any private meetings between Zuma and Gupta.
DIRCO stressed that routine assistance provided to former heads of state does not authorise them to represent the South African government or advance official interests.
The department also said it remains committed to cooperating with Indian authorities on mutual legal assistance requests and other legal processes involving members of the Gupta family, although Ajay Gupta is not currently subject to an extradition request from South Africa.
DIRCO has recommended establishing a mechanism to assess similar engagements for potential reputational, political, diplomatic and security risks.
